The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) will host a community forum in Brisbane’s Springfield Lakes this week as it acknowledges frustration over repair delays following severe hail on October 31.

During the afternoon, severe thunderstorms with large hail struck surrounding areas of Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Hail up to 14cm in diameter was recorded in some suburbs and the storm was the first catastrophe declaration for the 2020/21 natural disaster season.

Dubbed the Halloween hailstorm, it has produced more than 33,500 claims so far, with losses estimated at $805 million, the ICA says. More than 90% of claims are from householders.

Local policyholders can attend the forum on Wednesday at 6pm at the Springlake Hotel and hear broad insurance guidance. Two days of one-on-one consultations will follow, giving policyholders an opportunity to speak directly with their insurer about individual claims.

ICA CEO Andrew Hall says the initiative offers an opportunity to learn more about the claims process and also to meet with representatives of a particular insurer or the ICA to discuss individual cases.

“The Insurance Council of Australia acknowledges community members’ frustration with repair delays following last year’s destructive hailstorms,” Mr Hall said.

Register for the forum and consultations here, or call 1800 734 621.